With Bulgaria’s official membership in the Eurozone today, the Bulgarian leva, which has been used for many years, has given way to the euro, Anadolu reports.

The Bulgarian leva, which was first printed and put into circulation in 1881, has ceased to be the official currency of Bulgaria. The Governor of the National Bank of Bulgaria (BNB), Dimitar Radev, in a press conference regarding the membership in the Eurozone, stated that the euro is not only a currency, but also a symbol of belonging.

He said that the Bulgarian leva will remain an inseparable part of Bulgaria’s history and social memory. “Today the words ‘Welcome Bulgaria’ are heard and seen in Frankfurt, Brussels, Luxembourg and many other European countries. Our answer to our friends there is short and clear: ‘Thank you friends. We are already in our home,'” Radev said. The Eurozone is the result of determined work and dedication that has lasted for years. Congratulating Bulgaria, Von der Leyen emphasized that the transition to the euro means easier payments, more comfortable travel opportunities and many new opportunities for Bulgarian businesses. In the country, for one month, both the leva and the euro will be in circulation simultaneously. From February 1, only the euro will be used in Bulgaria.

Source: prizrenpost